Westminster School community honours teacher who dedicated 33 years to GEMS Education

Westminster School community honours teacher who dedicated 33 years to GEMS Education

The Westminster School in Dubai is mourning the loss of Anjana Sanalkumar, examinations officer and secondary teacher who devoted over three decades to education in the emirate. Born on May 30, 1969, Sanalkumar died of lung cancer after 33 years of service with GEMS Education, the world's largest operator of kindergarten-to-grade-12 schools.

The school community has responded with an outpouring of tributes, with colleagues describing Sanalkumar as more than a professional peer. Founded in 1959, GEMS Education now operates over 90 schools across eight countries and serves more than 200,000 students from 176 nationalities. Sanalkumar's entire career unfolded within this global educational network.

GEMS Education Group Chief Executive Officer Dino Varkey announced plans for the Anjana Sanalkumar Memorial Scholarship at The Westminster School. In a letter to the community, Varkey stated that a contribution of 33 years deserves a legacy that lives on. A memorial service was livestreamed on Thursday to allow mourners from different locations to participate.

School leaders reflect on lasting impact

Carl Roberts, Executive Principal and CEO of The Westminster School, said certain individuals become part of the fabric of an institution through their trusted presence and valued commitment. He identified Sanalkumar as undoubtedly one of those people, noting she kept students and parents first throughout her tenure. Roberts extended condolences to her family on behalf of the school community, expressing hope they would find strength in knowing how deeply she was respected and remembered.

Dr Vijayakumari Sathyan, Head of School and Deputy CEO, described Sanalkumar as selfless, dedicated and deeply passionate. She said Sanalkumar touched countless lives through tireless dedication and boundless love for the students at the school, which was founded in 1995 and now educates over 5,200 students as the largest English curriculum school in the UAE. The institution received an Outstanding rating from British Schools Overseas inspectors in January 2025.

Grace Aluoka, Assistant Principal for Secondary and Sixth Form, said words could not express the sadness felt across the school. She described Sanalkumar as far more than a colleague and teacher, calling her a trusted friend, a source of comfort and encouragement, and a cherished member of the Westminster School family. Aluoka noted that Sanalkumar's gentle nature, sincere care for others and reassuring smile touched countless hearts. The examination office, where Sanalkumar's presence once brought comfort and happiness, will feel her absence particularly acutely, she said.

Colleagues share personal memories

Shelmy Peter, Subject Leader and Events Manager, said 21 years of knowing Sanalkumar was simply not enough. Peter recalled that Sanalkumar never refused requests for help and always assisted with kindness and a smile. Rather than saying she would miss her colleague, Peter said she would cherish every memory, conversation and moment from their two decades together.

Mini, a secondary teacher, said she still cannot believe Sanalkumar is gone. She called Sanalkumar more than a friend, describing her as family, her confidence and one of the most precious people in her life. Mini thanked her for the memories, laughter, support and unconditional friendship, stating life will never be the same.

Benoy Das, who works in office support, said he left home and his mother at 19, then spent 21 years working alongside Sanalkumar. He noted this period exceeded the years he had spent growing up with his own mother, demonstrating how much Sanalkumar meant to him. Das said she became family to him and was never just someone he worked for, but someone he was blessed to have in his life.

Krutika, HR Officer, said the school mourns a truly valued colleague who dedicated 33 remarkable years to the institution. As Examinations Officer, Sanalkumar served with unwavering commitment, professionalism and care, and was deeply loved and respected by all who worked with her. Her kindness, dedication and lasting contribution will always be remembered, Krutika added.

Sanalkumar was part of the Indian expatriate community, the largest ethnic community in the UAE with a population estimated at 4.36 million, constituting approximately 38 percent of the country's total population. The memorial scholarship established in her name joins GEMS Education's existing scholarship programs, which include merit-based awards covering between 25 and 100 percent of tuition fees for students who excel in academic, creative and innovative fields.